Mansfield Town sign Swiss 'keeper

Shot-stopper puts pen to paper ahead of the new Football League season.

We are delighted to have captured the signature of highly-rated young goalkeeper Sascha Studer, subject to international clearance.

The 22-year-old, who was previously with FC Aarau and most recently Winterthur in Switzerland, joins us on a free transfer following a successful trial at the club.

Studer was between the sticks – and kept a clean-sheet – in our clash with Leeds United at One Call Stadium earlier this week – a match where we earned victory courtesy of two goals by debutant Liam Hearn.

Despite his tender years, Studer is the holder of a notable record in the Swiss Super League as he kept goal for FC Aarau in a match with Sion back in April 2007, aged just 15 years, 6 months and 18 days, which makes him the youngest player ever to start a game in the Swiss First Division.

The talented custodian, who stands at a towering 6ft 3in, has also enjoyed loan spells with Swiss clubs Concordia BS, Wohlen as well as a loan stint in Germany at SV Babelsberg. He has made over 50 first team appearances to date, including over 30 in the Swiss top flight, and has represented Switzerland Under 17s on four occasions.

Speaking to www.mansfieldtown.net: “I am so excited about this opportunity. I decided last year that I wanted to pursue a career in England, and now that it is finally happening I could not be happier.

"The Leeds game was an amazing experience for me, and the fans were brilliant and got behind me. The manager, staff and players here at Mansfield are great and I can’t wait for the League to begin. Everybody has made me so welcome."